Help us create an environment in which people fifty and over can fulfill their aims and objectives in life. Fight age discrimination and help preserve and promote the independence, dignity and positive image of people fifty and over and work to ensure that they have appropriate and adequate public care provision.

Help us create an environment in which people fifty and over can fulfill their aims and objectives in life. Fight age discrimination and help preserve and promote the independence, dignity and positive image of people fifty and over and work to ensure that they have appropriate and adequate public care provision.

Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on information technology

11th April 2020048

Our support continues throughout the current disruption to the Information Technology (IT) industry caused by COVID-19. At present, the impact on the IT sector is less severe than experienced by other sectors. Whilst consumers need to be mindful of product lead-times and the ability for suppliers to provide on-site services, goods and services are still available.

Customers need to be mindful of the following:

Where possible plan in advance. This is particularly true of made to order infrastructure hardware where lead-times are typically longer

The majority of IT equipment originates from Asia, including components used to build equipment in Europe. Factories are however re-opening and beginning to ship

There are shortages of hardware used for home working, such as laptops, tablets, monitors and other peripherals. This equipment will become available, but at slightly longer lead-times

Suppliers are prioritising the NHS and other critical services. If your requirement is critical and relating to COVID-19, please inform the supplier so that they can reprioritise accordingly

On-site services are restricted due to social distancing rules, although suppliers are still offering remote services;

Please refer to Procurement Policy Note 1 on awarding directly under Section 32 of the Public Contract Regulations. Customers can use this procedure when using a framework, including the NPS IT agreements, as well as a range of other national and sector IT and digital frameworks.

For further advice, or to discuss any issues with NPS IT framework suppliers please e-mail [email protected].